Nero's Killing Machine : The True Story of Rome's Remarkable 14th Legion

Rating:
Summary: Historical Accuracy ?
Review: I opened this book in the hope of finding in the same book both an accurate desription of the history of this legion and to see the life of a legionary illustrated in a "juicy and colorful" way. Different from the dry history books out there. The first part of Dando-Collin's book, ie where he was able to copy from Caesar's Gallic Wars did fulfill my expectations. But the author does not seem to have the courage to admit where he does not know details (once Caesar can no longer guide him), and presents fiction as real. His research must have been quite sloppy, and he starts inventing details. Striking errors like claiming that this legion was named "Gemina Martia Victrix" by Augustus having merged the 14th with a "Martia" legion after Actium are outright wrong. The "Gemina" indeed came from two legions being merged at that time, but the legion XIIII Gemina got the title "Martia Victrix" for its succesful role in defeating Boudicca in 43 AD. And the author's claim that after Augustus all legions were exclusively recruited in the provinces....? Not true either see Legios I, II, III Italica, Legio I and I Adiutrix,... I have given up on this book midstream, and would not even recommend reading it if you get it for free. You might take those errors for real and confuse your knowledge of ancient history. Better go for a purely fictious book in the first place. Or watch a Hollywood movie where you know you get fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Actually 4 1/2 stars
Review: I picked up this book on a whim, not being familiar with the author's other work. What I found was a wonderfully written, well researched account of the 14th Legion that reads like a novel. The only reason it is not a 5 star book is that the author uses modern military rankings instead of imperial rankings (for example, instead of Tribune he uses Colonel.) For me it was a little off-putting. I understand why but I would have rather he put a listing of the Imperial Roman Military Ranks and their modern day equivalents in the front (he has them in an appendix) and trust the intelligence of his audience. But aside from this, an excellent book and highly recommended.